Diplomat and Bestselling Author Richard Haass to Join the Museum as Buchholz Lecturer on September 19

Haass to Discuss Most Recent Book, The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens, Which Reenvisions Modern American Citizenship

New York Times bestselling author and veteran diplomat Dr. Richard Haass will join the Museum of the American Revolution as the distinguished lecturer for the 2024 Carl M. Buchholz Memorial Lecture on Thursday, Sept. 19 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. His talk will focus on his most recent book, The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens, which argues that the very idea of American citizenship must be revised and expanded.

“Readers of every political stripe would benefit from hearing out these well-reasoned arguments.”—­­ Kirkus

Including “being informed,” “rejecting violence,” and “staying open to compromise,” the ten habits Haass outlines center on placing societal obligations on the same footing as individual rights, and how citizens doing so could reduce our current divisions and help safeguard our democracy. Through an expert blend of civics, history, and political analysis, Haass illuminates how Americans can rediscover and recover the attitudes and behaviors that have contributed to the country’s success over the centuries. The presentation will include a question-and-answer session with both onsite and online audiences.

“Particularly in this election year, Dr. Richard Haass’ proposed remedies for the crisis of civic engagement that plagues our society today will resonate deeply with many Americans regardless of their political perspective,” said Museum President and CEO Dr. R. Scott Stephenson, who will join Haass in conversation at the event. “Among the many voices calling for a return to good citizenship, his is one of the most eloquent and distinguished.”

The hybrid event will take place in the Museum’s Liberty Hall and will be livestreamed for ticketed online viewers. Onsite tickets begin at $35 and include a signed copy of The Bill of Obligations. Online-only tickets are pay-what-you-wish. Tickets are now available for purchase online or by calling 215.253.6731. Sponsor tickets at $500 per person and include access to a dinner with the author following the lecture. All proceeds from the event support the Museum’s educational programs.

The event marks the sixth Carl M. Buchholz Memorial Lecture, a series established by the generosity of the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Carl Buchholz, former vice-chairman of the Museum’s Board of Directors. The series was created to honor his public service and to explore the American Revolution and its relevance today.

The 2024 Carl M. Buchholz Memorial Lecture is sponsored by Comcast NBCUniversal, DLA Piper, Flik Hospitality Group, Lisa Kabnick and John McFadden, Morris W. Offit, Savills, and Martha McGeary Snider. Additional support is provided by Ballard Spahr, Mark and Iris Coblitz, Morgan Lewis, and WSFS Cares Foundation. 

The evening is hosted by Karen Dougherty Buchholz, Alex Buchholz, and Julia Buchholz, and co-hosted by Michael Glatt, Lisa Kabnick and John McFadden, Morris W. Offit, Julia Reusch, Adam Salem, Stephen and Debby Schwab, and Martha McGeary Snider.

About Dr. Richard Haass

Dr. Richard N. Haass, a veteran diplomat and respected scholar of international relations, is president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations and is a senior counselor with Centerview Partners, an international investment banking advisory firm. As CFR’s president for 20 years, he served in the State Department under Presidents George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan, at the White House under George H.W. Bush, and at the Pentagon under Jimmy Carter. He was U.S. envoy to the Cyprus negotiations and the Northern Ireland peace process, and after 9/11 was U.S. coordinator for the future of Afghanistan. Dr. Haass is the author or editor of fourteen books on American foreign policy, one book on management, and one on American democracy. His latest book, The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens, was published by Penguin Press in January 2023 and became a New York Times best seller. He also authors a weekly newsletter, Home & Away, available on Substack. A Rhodes Scholar, Dr. Haass holds a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College, the masters and doctorate of philosophy degrees from Oxford University, and numerous honorary degrees. He is the recipient of the State Department's Superior Honor Award, the Presidential Citizens Medal, and the Tipperary International Peace Award. Dr. Haass, who was born in Brooklyn and grew up on Long Island, lives with his wife in New York City.

About Museum of the American Revolution

The Museum of the American Revolution uncovers and shares compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government. Through the Museum’s unmatched collection, immersive galleries, powerful theater experiences, and interactive elements, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for how this nation came to be and feel inspired to consider their role in ensuring that the promise of the American Revolution endures. Located just steps away from Independence Hall, the Museum serves as a portal to the region’s many Revolutionary sites, sparking interest, providing context, and encouraging exploration. The Museum, which opened on April 19, 2017, is a private, non-profit, and non-partisan organization. For more information, visit www.AmRevMuseum.org or call 877.740.1776.